Chapter 31
A security unit appeared within minutes and drove Ken and Lanegan out to the west of the city. The days since they had last seen Toby had given him enough time to make his way back to London. They had hoped his instincts would lead him to his London home and that nothing would happen to him along the way. They now knew he had made it.
They stopped at the end of the road where Toby had been found. His body lay in the middle of the road, covered by sheets found near-by that were sodden and had become transparent. He had wandered into that particular road by chance at the exact time the gas supply of a house had exploded. The blast sent debris out into the road, killing him instantly. Lanegan stood behind Ken as he lifted the sheet and quickly lay it back down. They turned away, tears falling from their eyes. The emotional impact was too much as feelings of guilt, sadness and anger struck all at once. They both knew in their hearts they could have done more for him, but had focussed on the bigger picture. Tough decisions had to be made – it’s a reality of the job - but it didn’t help to expel the hurt to think about what they could or should have done. Not yet.
“I want him handled with the upper most care,” Lanegan ordered an agent. “His body needs to be treated properly - with dignity. AND CAN WE PLEASE FIND SOME PROPER SHEETS TO COVER HIM, HE’S SOAKING WET.”
He turned away to compose himself.
“Ken, where is his family?”
“They were in Thetford Forest Park before we began re-entering the cities,” Ken replied. “I’m not sure if they went to a city after that.”
“Find them, please,” Lanegan said. “I want to tell them myself as soon as possible and they can decide what to do after that.”
“I’ll sort it out. Leave it with me,” said Ken.
Lanegan looked down at the body. As the rain diluted his tears he turned and began to kick the bricks that had were left in the road.
Ken looked up, imagining the worst.
“Tom,” he shouted. “Are you okay?”
“No I’m not okay. What have we done? We should have listened to Bukewitz and locked them all up. If we had done that from the beginning, then …”
Lanegan stopped and stood absolutely still. In his mind a moment of clarity struck that made him question everything they had done.
“I think the road we have taken is too dangerous – too unpredictable,” he said calmly.
“What do you mean?” asked Ken.
“We have no idea how this is going to end … but if we act now …”
“What are you saying, Tom”
“I’m saying that we should meet them head on, as we originally planned – but with conviction.”
“But we saw a positive reaction with Isabelle and the man. If nothing else we should follow it up until we know more.”
“Do we have the time for waiting? At any moment the people of this country are going to decide their own fates. They won’t wait for us. We need to stay in control and show that we are willing to act; show them we are capable of ending this.”
“This is a dangerous move, Tom. You may sway opinion against us and you are certainly going to confuse people.”
“Confusing people may give us the breathing space we need. People need to see action and results; that is how politics works. If we are to stay one step ahead of public opinion and the rioters, we need to start gaining control. It’s better if the party deals with them rather than people in the street”
“What are you going to tell the others?”
“To begin with, what I feel they need to know. This is more important than friendship, Ken. Eventually they will understand. And if they don’t, well, that’s the price of the job. It’s not won on sentimentality.”
“Wilf will know you have had a change of heart. He will be worried about what happens next, in terms of our plans to reform.”
“I know he will. But even his money can’t influence the outcome of this battle. He will have to search his soul at the right time and then decide whose side he is on. He can continue with what he thinks is best. I don’t think it will affect us in any way. I should have listened to your warnings, Ken. We should begin the transformation of the evacuation sites for Bob’s intended purpose. Are you with me, Ken?”
“I want this to end.”
“Then let’s begin. I’ll call a party meeting; we will see who is ready to fight back. They were convinced once, I’m sure they can be again. We will meet them at the Dorchester and get this over and done with.”
Lanegan walked towards the security vehicle without looking back. He climbed in to the open door and slid to the other side, leaving the door open. Ken looked at the open door before turning back to Toby’s body. Then he slowly walked to the vehicle and climbed inside.
Jacob, Isabelle, Stephanie and Morrison were transported to Hyde Park, where aid stations and meeting points had been set up. Many families and friends had been separated in the chaos and confusion and were attempting to regain contact or receive news of their location. The park was a tense place and moved with nervous energy. Those who had come to the park were too concerned to join in with the attempts to retake the city; instead they waited, pacing over small patches of grass or sitting under plastic sheets and covers. Pictures of those who were missing were beginning to appear on lamp posts and trees, only to be covered by a constant flow of new posters or destroyed by the rain. It was a scene of horror and desperation. A city divided by those who still had the motivation and desire to make a change and those who now faced the reality that London was not as they remembered. Jacob watched with a new sadness and a crushing feeling of guilt. He had blinded himself to some of the many possible outcomes of their return. His selfish dream of a world with new freedoms was fading with each person who added a new name to those who were missing. All he could see was desperation, sound-tracked by the falling rain and cries of a city in need of a cure.
“I can’t be here,” he said.
The others all turned to look at him.
“What do you mean? What’s the matter?” said Isabelle.
“This is all my doing. If I hadn’t spoken at the meeting then at least all of these people would be at the evacuation site with shelter and food. I did this.”
“Jacob,” said Stephanie. “We would have had to leave soon enough anyway. The fire made sure of that. You didn’t cause the riots.”
“No, but I may have made them worse.”
“If we didn’t do it this way, then it would have been another way. Possibly even Bukewitz’s way. You’re being too hard on yourself.”
“A man died – and countless others probably. People weren’t killing each other before we left, I have to take responsibility for that. What if we’ve released something in people by telling them to change? What if we can’t return?”
“This sort of reaction was inevitable,” said Isabelle. “It would have been a miracle if we had all returned and nobody had reacted with force. People are becoming increasingly desperate and concerned about what the future holds. This raises the emotional response way past diplomacy and asking for calm. It is a natural instinct to defend yourself and your home. That is something beyond anyone’s control.”
“Maybe you’re right – or maybe we’ve thrown everyone in to a situation that is out of our control. When I look around I don’t see hope anymore; I see a refugee camp with winter coming.”
Morrison walked away and looked at the people on the park.
“It may appear as a lost cause …” he said, turning to face them. “… but we can’t give up. These people need help and possibly more - they need inspiring. What Isabelle did back there changed everything. It proved that we can do something, as individuals and as a group, if we stick together. If it can be done with one man, it can be done with many more – and that is all the hope we need. The very least we can do is use our position to help and maybe inspire people to carry on – to try our best. There may be a lot of people here waiting for news or simply giving up; but ther
e are more out there now, where we should be, trying their best, doing whatever is in their power to regain a sense of purpose and a future. We have to make it work.”
They all turned to Jacob. He looked up to the sky and let the rain fall onto his face. The cool drops of water had a calming effect that allowed him to think clearly for a few seconds. He thought of all the bad things that had happened, and all that they had done together. Morrison was right; of course they couldn’t stop. It was impossible to consider giving up. That’s not what people do; not when there is a chance of success. And Isabelle had shown there was.
“Then we had better get started,” he said.
“That’s better,” said Stephanie.
As they began a group hug, a familiar voice called out that caused them all to turn suddenly.
“I’m glad I found you here,” shouted Wilf. “Ken informed me you should be around here and that I am to collect you for a meeting with him and Tom.”
“This sounds serious,” said Stephanie.
“What is there about all of this that is not serious?” Wilf replied.
They all nodded in agreement.
“Where are we headed?” asked Morrison.
“Not far. Tom is being a bit more careful with his security since the tragic events of earlier today.”
“You heard?” asked Jacob.
“I did. It sounded quite traumatic. I hope you are all okay. It is not a sight that anyone should have to witness.”
“We’re fine,” said Isabelle.
She paused and looked to Jacob who nodded back reassuringly.
“I assume you know about Toby as well.”
“I do. None of this has gone quite as well as any of us had hoped, has it? But we knew these would be tough times and all we can do for now is push on. It’s what Toby would have wanted.”
They all agreed and walked with Wilf to the Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane.
Security and military personnel swarmed the surrounding streets. The events of earlier that day had clearly elevated the security level. As they approached the entrance however, they were ushered in without any checks.
Lanegan met them in the lobby.
“Ah good,” he said. “I’m glad you’re all okay, come with me.”
He led them to the restaurant which gave the impression that nothing had ever happened. It was clean and evidently entirely unaffected by the rioting.
“How on earth did has this building remained untouched?” asked Stephanie.
As they sat down, food and drinks were brought to the table that at first appeared slightly indulgent considering the circumstances. But after everyone silently agreed that their hunger and tired mental state was in great need of nourishment, they began to eat.
“Some things we simply had to protect,” said Lanegan. “Security has been present, as it has with many other buildings, from the beginning. They never got close enough to do any real damage.”
“Are you okay, Tom? After seeing Toby,” asked Isabelle.
“We have lost a friend, Isabelle. I won’t deny it made me doubt a lot of what we are doing, but now I am more determined than ever. My family and I will be staying close by with the rest of the party. You are all welcome to stay in this hotel as long as you need. We have begun trying to find your family members and we will bring them here as soon as we have located them. I hope you are all comfortable with this. Of course, you are free to come and go as you like, we see no reason for anyone except the highest members of government to need security.”
“Is there some news, Tom?” asked Wilf.
“Ken and I have been receiving updates from around the country. The outlook is not as good as we had hoped. It seems people are too confused as to the aim of our return and also how to achieve the goals we have set. I take full responsibility for not being clear enough on our objectives and for pushing this forward too quickly. I feel now that we should have waited.”
“It wouldn’t have stopped Toby from dying, Tom,” said Wilf.
“We can’t know that for sure,” Lanegan replied.
Lanegan’s facial expression was blank, showing no emotion. They all began to recognise a change had occurred within him.
“What we have witnessed today was always likely,” added Isabelle. “As hard as it is to understand and accept, in these situations people get hurt. It is unavoidable.”
“What we witnessed today Isabelle …” said Lanegan, sternly. “… was the actions of an angry mob who reacted at the first sight of resistance with the most abhorrent act of violence.”
“I’m not trying to justify the action Tom, what they did was terrible in any context; I’m trying to show that we are in a situation that is completely alien to all of us. We always knew that as time passed and resources became low, things would get worse. People act in extreme ways when they are forced in to extreme circumstances, especially when they act in groups.”
“Which is why we need a new strategy. I made a decision back in the forest after I visited the aid centre. Supplies were becoming low and it was becoming more and more difficult to treat even the most basic of health problems. It was at this point that I realised we are focussing on the wrong people. Not long from now, the humanitarian problems we currently face will become irreversible. I realised at that moment, that instead of dedicating our personnel to an increasingly lost cause, we needed to tackle the problem head on. We need to stop the rioting before we can help those who are not rioting; otherwise we all lose.”
“You are going to sacrifice millions of people, aren’t you?” asked Isabelle.
“Difficult situations call for difficult decisions, Isabelle. That is what I am saying. If we are to stop the riots we need to dedicate all our resources to rounding them up. We can then attempt to treat them accordingly.”
“I don’t believe this, after all we’ve …”
Isabelle couldn’t finish her sentence and walked away to look out of the window. There was now segregation between them and the rest of the people. A clear division made by barriers, military personnel and government agents.
She thought for a moment then turned to look at Lanegan.
“Did you move everyone out of the forest so that you could use the site for a different purpose?” she asked, suspiciously.
“No.” Lanegan replied.
“No,” said Isabelle. “But now that it is almost empty you’re going to, aren’t you?”
Everyone turned to look at Lanegan, who sat silently looking at the table in front of him. It was clear what he now intended. After a few seconds, he looked up straight into Isabelle’s eyes.
“Yes,” he said coldly.
The single word answer was a crushing blow. Jacob struggled for breath as he realised the implications of Lanegan’s answer.
Lanegan looked at them one by one to demonstrate he was serious.
“We have been receiving reports from around the world that have been discouraging,” he continued. “Most countries are in the same situation as us and are considering the same options as us. We will not be alone in our actions.”
“I understand that the Russians have had some success at reducing individual attacks by holding public events and getting everyone involved that way,” said Wilf. “Perhaps we could try something similar ourselves. I have some equipment and no doubt can find what we don’t have. If we focus the attention of everyone on something positive, we may help the rioters and prevent further violence towards them.”
“I’m interested to know how you know what is happening in Russia, Wilf,” said Lanegan.
“I can still access information, the same as before.”
“Interesting.”
Lanegan and Wilf shared a prolonged stare. Wilf was now certain that the events since their return to London had affected Lanegan. The bond and the understanding they shared had evaporated into bitterness and mistrust.
“I see no problem with you organising an event and Hyde Park is as good a place as any. Why don’t you use the
West side, there is space there.”
“That sounds fine,” replied Wilf.
He wasn’t expecting any support and assumed he was granted permission as a tactic to keep him out of the way of Lanegan’s new plans.
“Our resources in terms of personnel are obviously low, so you will need to gather volunteers. Anything else you need just ask Ken and he will do the best he can to accommodate your needs. I am going to do a speech tomorrow that will be broadcast nationwide on the east side of Hyde Park, since you will be using the west. This will happen at midday so that we have time to establish communications around the country.”
Wilf looked to Ken, who could only maintain eye contact for a few seconds. Wilf knew Ken was loyal to Lanegan but could sense a slight hesitation or disagreement towards Lanegan’s new, sterner attitude. His eyes moved from Ken to the high ceiling of the restaurant before looking to the walls. The hotel was old, but had lost all of its original character and charm. The décor was bland and standardised, with a neutral paint colour and functional light fittings. Wilf half-heartedly laughed to himself.
“Is something funny Wilf?” asked Lanegan.
“This building used to be one of the most beautiful, elegant and unique hotels in the world. Its architecture was praised by all who stayed here. And now look at it. We could be in any office, school, hotel or conference room in the country.”
“We don’t have time for sentimentality or reminiscing Wilf, and there is nothing wrong with familiarity.”
“Things can be familiar and unique at the same time, Tom. That’s why people returned here. If you like, I can show you photograph’s of this hotel’s past history. It might bring some perspective to our meeting today and what we have been trying to achieve here.”
“I’m sure. Maybe when we have some control back we can share a few hours thinking about the past. Until then I have the future to worry about. Let Ken know what you need.”
Wilf looked to Jacob, who was in a state of disbelief.
“I’ll get started,” said Wilf, as he stood. “Would anyone like to help me?”
“I’ll come with you,” said Stephanie.
“Me too,” said Isabelle.
As they stood to leave the restaurant, Stephanie looked back expecting Morrison to be close behind. She couldn’t hide her disappointment when she saw him still seated. He looked briefly towards her before turning to Lanegan.
“Morrison will be needed elsewhere I’m afraid Stephanie,” said Lanegan. “You’ll see him soon.”
Jacob remained seated, unsure of what he should do. He looked straight down at the table in front of him, unable to look Lanegan in the eye.
“Jacob, you can assist Wilf as well if you like.”
Jacob knew it was an order. He stood up and looked towards Lanegan.
“I’ll help wherever I’m needed,” he said.
Lanegan looked straight down at some documents that were on the table in front of him.
“Good,” he said without looking up. “I’ll call for you if I need you.”
The words were blunt and cold. The time for friendship and loyalty was gone. By the time Lanegan had finished his sentence, Jacob knew he would never truly return. He knew his heart would not let him.
They left the Dorchester feeling betrayed. It wasn’t difficult to recognise the change in Lanegan. It was as though he had been replaced.
“Can somebody tell me what just happened in there?” asked Isabelle.
“It’s over,” replied Jacob.
“I fear Jacob is right,” said Wilf. “He clearly thinks a new direction is needed. One that I fear will destroy everything that we now strive for. He now believes that it is better to stay as we were. Which begs the question; what is he planning for the rioters?”
“Can’t he see that people are still turning? You can’t just lock everyone up until there is nobody left,” said Isabelle.
“Can we stop this, Wilf?” asked Jacob.
“Our only option as I see it is to carry on as best we can. We must never give up. If he is giving us the freedom to produce something that people can become involved in, then we must continue at any cost. We must stay focussed on what we believe is the best solution.”
“Then let’s begin,” said Jacob.
Wilf turned to see Stephanie sitting against the wall of the Dorchester.
“Are you with us, Stephanie?” he asked.
“Of course I am,” she replied.
“You will see him again, don’t you worry. He is loyal and believes he has a job to do. It’s his nature.”
“I know. But he didn’t say a word.”
“We are all guests at this hotel, as uncomfortable a thought as that is. Give it time and he will come to you when he feels it is right.”
Wilf helped Stephanie to her feet and the four of them walked together towards Hyde Park.
“How are we going to do this?” asked Stephanie.
“Don’t worry,” replied Wilf. “I have what we need to get started and some friends who will help. We’ll be fine.”
Essential as Air and Water Page 31